First made-in-Nigeria helicopter nears completion
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that engineering work on Nigeria’s first made-in-Nigeria helicopter is nearing completion to boost the indigenous aerospace and engineering industry.
The Project Manager of NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute in Kaduna, Engr. Kareem Aduagba, said the agency is leveraging existing engineering and scientific knowledge to accelerate the development of both the indigenous helicopter and various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Tribune Online reports.
“What we are doing now is not to reinvent the wheel. We had one of our projects being started from the first principle, which we are working on, both the made-in-Nigeria helicopter and some UAVs. We have some which we bought over from developed countries, which we had in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and some Complete Knock Down (CKD). So, we are now making use of science and engineering knowledge to work on the SKD and the CKD,” Aduagba explained.
He further stated that the agency is approaching the final stages of development, and the first test flight will soon take place.
“Very soon, we are going to do the first test. Everything is nearing completion now, and very soon, we will fly the first made-in-Nigeria helicopter,” he said.
Aduagba also emphasized the need for more public awareness of NASENI’s activities, noting that the agency, under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleman Halilu, is prioritizing awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact.
“Many Nigerians are not aware of NASENI and its activities. However, with the current leadership, the Agency is prioritizing awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact,” he noted.
He further added that innovation and modern technology play a crucial role in increasing the acceptance of Nigerian-made products, reducing production challenges, and creating more job opportunities.
“Innovation and modern technology are key to improving the acceptance of Nigerian products. This kind of engagement will help tackle production challenges and create more job opportunities,” he concluded.
